Chương 4: C4
Kai woke up to the soft chime of an automated alarm system. His room, larger than his old apartment, glowed faintly as sunlight streamed through the massive windows. He sat up, rubbing his eyes. His bed felt like it was made of clouds, but that didn't stop him from missing the old lump of a mattress he used to collapse onto after late-night gaming sessions.
The smell of breakfast wafted up from the kitchen, a blend of fresh croissants, sizzling bacon, and something suspiciously fancy. "Ah, the rich kid lifestyle," he muttered, rolling out of bed. "All perks, zero effort."
His morning routine was a well-oiled machine. Sugihara appeared with a freshly pressed uniform just as Kai finished brushing his teeth. A quick shower, perfectly combed hair, and a breakfast spread that could feed ten people later, Kai was ready for school.
Kai's new school was, to put it mildly, over the top. The marble-floored hallways, state-of-the-art classrooms, and impeccably dressed students screamed money. It was worlds away from the public schools he used to attend, where cracked tiles and worn desks were the norm.
He was adjusting his tie when a voice caught his attention.
"Ah, excuse me! You there, with the impeccably neat tie!"
Kai turned to see a boy around his age with short blue hair and rectangular glasses. The newcomer's posture was stiff, his movements precise, like he was part robot.
"I'm Tenya Iida. I've recently transferred here," the boy said, bowing deeply. "It's a pleasure to meet you!"
Kai blinked, then grinned. "Kai. Nice to meet you too. You're, uh, really... formal, huh?"
Iida adjusted his glasses, looking genuinely puzzled. "Isn't it proper to greet new acquaintances with respect? It reflects one's upbringing."
Kai chuckled, already liking this kid's vibe. "Sure, if you want to outshine the teachers. So, what brings you to this academy?"
Iida's expression grew serious. "My family values high standards in both academics and personal development. This school aligns with their expectations. And you?"
Kai scratched the back of his neck. "Parents. Said it was this or being homeschooled, and, uh, I need my social interaction."
The two boys hit it off surprisingly well. During lunch, they sat together in the sprawling cafeteria, which looked more like a five-star restaurant. Iida eagerly explained his quirk, Engine, and how it allowed him to propel himself at incredible speeds.
"So you've got jet engines in your legs?" Kai asked, wide-eyed.
"Exactly!" Iida said, nodding enthusiastically. "They require constant support, but the advantages are amazing. And you?"
Kai leaned forward, lowering his voice. "It's called Stockpile. I can absorb different types of energy and release it later. Pretty versatile, though I'm still figuring out the finer points."
Iida's eyes lit up with genuine interest. "That's awesome! Your quirk offers a strategic advantage, allowing for both offensive and defensive attacks. Have you considered systematic training?"
Kai smirked. "I've considered not blowing myself up by accident. That counts, right?"
Iida chuckled, a rare moment of levity breaking through his serious demeanor. "A valid starting point. Perhaps we could train together sometime? Sharpening our skills will prepare us for U.A.'s."
Kai's grin widened. "You're aiming for U.A. too? Looks like I've got competition."
The final bell rang, and Kai gathered his things, grateful to survive his first day. The workload was heavier than he was used to, but it wasn't unbearable. As he walked toward the school gates, he spotted a sleek black car idling by the curb. Sugihara stood beside it, as composed as ever.
"Young master," Sugihara said with a bow. "I trust your first day went well?"
Kai shrugged, tossing his bag into the backseat. "Met a cool guy. Didn't fall asleep in class. I'll call that a win."
Sugihara's expression betrayed nothing, but Kai thought he caught a glimmer of approval as the butler held the door open for him.
Back at the mansion, Kai found his parents in the sitting room, enjoying tea. His mother looked up as he entered, her sharp gaze softening.
"How was school, darling?" she asked.
Kai flopped onto a nearby chair. "Not bad. Made a friend, survived the fancy food, didn't embarrass myself too much."
His father raised an eyebrow. "A friend? Good. Connections are important."
Kai rolled his eyes. "Yeah, Dad. Building alliances, securing assets. Totally part of my master plan."
His mom chuckled softly, but his dad gave a small nod, missing the sarcasm entirely.
As the conversation shifted to mundane topics, Kai's thoughts drifted back to Iida. Meeting someone as driven and focused as him was inspiring. For the first time, Kai felt like his goal of joining U.A. wasn't just a pipe dream.
The mansion's expansive garden stretched endlessly, with manicured hedges, a koi pond, and small, serene clearings perfect for privacy. Kai stood by a shaded bench, stretching as Sugihara approached with his usual measured stride. The butler carried a stopwatch in one hand and a clipboard in the other, his expression calm but focused.
"Young master Kai," Sugihara began, setting the clipboard down on the bench. "You requested my assistance in testing your quirk. Shall we begin?"
Kai grinned. "Thanks, Sugihara. I figured if anyone can keep me from blowing myself up, it's you."
The butler adjusted his tie, not betraying even a hint of amusement. "Safety is paramount, of course. But I also believe that understanding one's limits is key to growth. Let us proceed."
Kai started by jogging laps around the garden, building kinetic energy to store in his stockpile. Sugihara kept time, observing as Kai absorbed energy steadily over the course of twenty minutes.
When Kai came to a stop, his body buzzing faintly with power, Sugihara held up the stopwatch. "Twenty minutes of consistent energy storage. How do you feel?"
"Like I've got a battery humming inside me," Kai said, flexing his arms. "It's not uncomfortable, but it's weird—like I could explode into a hundred pushups without breaking a sweat."
Sugihara made a note on his clipboard. "Interesting. Let us see how efficiently you can release it."
Kai nodded and faced a nearby tree. Taking a deep breath, he concentrated on channeling the stored energy into his legs. With a sharp exhale, he jumped, launching himself higher than ever before. He landed with a stumble, grinning as Sugihara clapped once, his approval subtle but clear.
"Good form, young master," the butler said. "However, notice the strain in your landing. You must learn to control not just the output but the aftermath."
After more trials—absorbing impacts, releasing bursts in different limbs, and even testing how much heat energy sunlight provided—Kai slumped against the bench, panting. Sugihara stood nearby, as composed as ever.
"You've made excellent progress," Sugihara said, handing Kai a bottle of water. "Though I have observed something curious. The energy you store does not seem to dissipate naturally over time. Have you noticed this?"
Kai wiped his forehead, nodding. "Yeah, it's like it just sits there, waiting for me to use it. Doesn't leak out or anything."
The butler adjusted his glasses thoughtfully. "If that is the case, your quirk may allow long-term storage. This could become an advantage—stockpiling energy during calm periods for use in emergencies."
Kai's eyes lit up. "That's... actually really cool. I could walk around with a ton of energy ready to go, like a secret weapon."
"Indeed. However, it also presents a risk," Sugihara said, his tone firm. "Carrying too much energy for prolonged periods could strain your body. And there is the question of whether your capacity will grow as you age and train."
Kai leaned forward, intrigued. "You think it can? Like, if I keep pushing myself, I'll be able to hold more energy?"
"It is a logical assumption," Sugihara said. "Quirks often evolve alongside their users, adapting to their growth and experiences."
Kai's mind raced with possibilities. If his capacity could grow, maybe he could store energy on a scale that rivaled even the strongest heroes. What if he could absorb massive attacks and send them back tenfold?
Eager to test his new theory, Kai got back on his feet and moved to a more open area of the garden. He started small, absorbing energy from repetitive movements—sprints, punches, and even clapping his hands. This time, instead of releasing it all at once, he tried channeling it into a steady stream.
He extended his arm, imagining the energy flowing like water through a hose. A faint ripple of force pulsed outward, harmless but steady.
"Whoa," Kai said, his eyes wide. "It's like... I can trickle it out instead of blasting it. That's way more useful."
Sugihara nodded approvingly. "Controlled application will serve you well. A hero's strength is not merely in their raw power but in their precision."
After an hour of experimentation, Kai felt the familiar weight of exhaustion settling in. His quirk had its limits, and he'd definitely hit them for the day. He flopped onto the grass, staring up at the sky.
Sugihara stood nearby, his clipboard tucked under one arm. "You've made significant progress today, young master. Shall I prepare a light meal before you rest?"
Kai waved a hand lazily. "Nah, I'm good. Just need a minute to soak all this in."
The butler nodded and left, his footsteps quiet on the garden path.
Alone, Kai let his thoughts wander. His quirk wasn't just a tool—it was a part of him, something he could mold and shape.
Kai found his father in the study, reclining in a massive leather chair behind an oak desk. The room reeked of wealth, from the antique globe perched in one corner to the shelves of books that probably hadn't been opened in years. His dad looked up from his tablet, his sharp features softening when he saw Kai.
"Ah, there's my boy," his father said, gesturing for him to sit. "What's on your mind? Come to learn the secrets of the empire?"
Kai smirked, dropping into the chair opposite him. "Sure, teach me the secret to inheriting everything without doing any actual work."
His dad chuckled, a deep, hearty sound. "Work is part of the fun, Kai. Without it, you'll just be some trust fund kid coasting through life, and we can't have that."
Kai raised an eyebrow. "You mean like all the other kids at my school?"
His father waved the comment off, leaning back with a smile. "Point taken. But let me tell you, success is about more than just money. It's about presence."
Kai mimicked a dramatic pose, leaning back and steepling his fingers. "Ah, presence. So, if I just sit here and look important, I'll be set for life?"
His father grinned. "You're halfway there already. But seriously, Kai, think about what you want to do. Whether it's the family business or something else, start planning now. The world won't wait for you."
Kai nodded, a hint of seriousness creeping into his expression. "I'll figure it out, Dad. Maybe I'll even make a name for myself, you know, outside of all... this." He gestured vaguely at the extravagant room.
His dad smiled, a rare moment of pride flashing across his face. "That's my boy. Just don't get too famous—you'll make the rest of us look bad."
Later, Kai wandered into the parlor where his mother was knitting. She looked up as he entered, her eyes warm with a motherly mix of love and exasperation.
"Kai," she said, setting down her knitting. "I hope you haven't been up to any mischief."
Kai held up his hands in mock surrender. "Mischief? Me? Never. Sugihara can vouch for me."
Her lips twitched into a smile. "That poor man deserves a raise if he's dealing with you all day. So, how was training?"
"Good," Kai said, plopping onto a nearby couch. "I didn't blow up anything important, so I'd call that progress."
She shook her head fondly. "That's a low bar, but I'm proud of you nonetheless."
They chatted for a while, her asking about school and Kai spinning tales that left her laughing. When the conversation turned serious, she leaned forward, placing a gentle hand on his.
"Whatever you do, Kai, remember that you're not alone," she said softly. "Your father and I, we want the best for you. But more importantly, we want you to be happy."
Kai smiled, a rare moment of genuine warmth bubbling up. "Thanks, Mom. I'll keep that in mind."
By the time he headed upstairs for bed, Kai was feeling lighter than he had in days. His bedtime routine, however, was anything but light.
"Brush your teeth," Sugihara reminded him as he passed the butler in the hall.
"Already did," Kai lied, only to hear Sugihara mutter, "Young master, you're still holding a chocolate bar."
Caught red-handed, Kai sighed and headed for the bathroom. As he brushed, he made faces at himself in the mirror, trying to look intimidating.
Back in his room, he flopped onto the bed, tugging the blanket over his head. He stared at the ceiling, his mind drifting to his quirk.
The possibilities were endless. Could he store massive amounts of energy over weeks and unleash it in a single devastating blow? Or maybe he could learn to absorb energy from his environment—heat, light, even sound. The thought of walking into a fight fully charged, ready to turn the tide, sent a thrill through him.
But there were questions too. How much energy could he hold before it became dangerous? Could he use the stored power to heal himself, or even others?
He yawned, his thoughts blurring as sleep crept in. His last coherent thought was simple but resolute: I'll figure it out. One step at a time.
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Turns out my stones are gone so uhhh you know the deal...
PS 20 = 1 extra chapter
PS 50 = 2 extra chapters
PS 100 = 3 extra chapters
They can change (go up or down) depending on how popular the story gets...
Review and send a stone... have a good day.
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